Death helped himself to a biscuit from the tin. There were two full stockings hanging from the
mantelpiece. He prodded them with professional satisfaction, and then sat down again and
observed the nursery wallpaper. It seemed to be pictures of rabbits in waistcoats, among other fauna. He was not surprised. Death occasionally turned up in person even for rabbits, simply to see that the whole process was working properly. He’d never seen one wearing a waistcoat. He wouldn’t have expected waistcoats. At least, he wouldn’t have expected waistcoats if he hadn’t had some experience of the way humans portrayed the universe. As it was, it was only a blessing they hadn’t been given gold watches and top hats as well.
Humans liked dancing pigs, too. And lambs in hats. As far as Death was aware, the sole reason for any human association with pigs and lambs was as a prelude to chops and sausages. Quite why they should dress up for children’s wallpaper as well was a mystery. Hello, little folk, this is whatyou’re going to eat… He felt that if only he could find the key to it, he’d know a lot more about human beings. His gaze travelled to the door. Susan’s governess coat and hat were hanging on it. The coat was grey, and so was the hat. Grey and round and dull. Death didn’t know many things about the human psyche, but he did know protective coloration when he saw it. Dullness. Only humans could have invented it. What imaginations they had.
Terry Pratchett, The Hogfather
